Public Transit

• OC Transpo
• STO
• Para Transpo

Programs available

• U-Pass
• STO student discounts
• PRESTO Card

STO Payroll Deduction (program canceled)

STO no longer offers a payroll deduction option for the purchase of monthly passes as of March 1, 2020. This offering has been replaced by the FIDÉLITÉ Program, which is an annual pass that also provides a 10% discount on monthly passes. The difference is that the cost of each month's pass will be deducted from your bank account instead of your pay.

For more information on how to apply, please visit the FIDÉLITÉ Program page on STO's website.

Taxis play an important role when it comes to sustainable transportation. The use of taxis can help reduce the need to own a private automobile, especially if the service is fast and reliable. Using the occasional taxi in conjunction with other sustainable transportation modes is more economical than owning or maintaining a personal vehicle. Taxis are often important back-up options and there are many instances when taking a taxi is beneficial: when carrying large loads for instance.

Members of the University of Ottawa community may contact any taxi company of their choice.

Accessible Taxicabs

Both Blue Line and Capital Taxi provide accessible taxicabs. Persons with disabilities are urged to inform the company, when calling, that they will require an accessible taxi. These taxi drivers are trained in assisting people with special mobility requirements. Accessible taxicabs are given dispatch priority.

The University of Ottawa will provide taxi chits to accommodate students and employees who have a physical disability and need transportation on campus and between the main campus, 200 Lees, Saint Paul University, and Roger-Guindon Hall.

For more information about the service, visit our Taxi Shuttle webpage.

Bandit Taxis and your safety

The City of Ottawa's Emergency and Protective Services warn residents that using "bandit taxis" may compromise your personal safety. 

Bandit taxis are companies or single vehicles operating a taxi service without a City of Ottawa license. Without legal authorization to operate in the City of Ottawa, there is no restitution if you are overcharged or receive poor service, nor is there any guarantee of vehicle insurance. Also, drivers are not screened for prior criminal activity.

The University of Ottawa encourages everyone in the City of Ottawa to only use legally registered taxi services. When using a legal taxi service, the dispatch work is recorded and the vehicle is traceable. In addition, licensed taxis have debit/credit card machines for customer convenience and in-car security cameras to protect drivers and passengers.

How to recognize a City of Ottawa licensed taxicab

• Well-lit taxi sign located on the top of the car;
• City of Ottawa license plate located at the rear bumper;
• Identification number – inside and outside the cab;
• Tariff card listing fees located inside the car;
• Photo identification of the driver located inside the car bearing the City of Ottawa logo.

List of City of Ottawa legally registered taxi services

Taxi account services for students

Students or their family members may open taxi accounts directly with Blue Line or Capital Taxis. The account holder will receive a single monthly statement showing all taxi trips taken by the student for a clear record of your taxi transportation costs. To open an account, which will be secured by an automatic withdrawal from a credit card.

In order to help coordinate Para Transpo pickups on campus, uOttawa and Para Transpo have identified and marked 12 locations on main campus as pickup points for Para Transpo clients.

Wherever possible the locations were chosen for their centrality to multiple buildings, availability of shelter for waiting, and line of sight from shelter to the pickup location.

Each pickup point is marked with a Para Transpo sign as well as a number corresponding to the location.

Map of Para Transpo Locations

For more information about the Para Transpo services, please contact:

Para Transpo
1500 St. Laurent Blvd.
Ottawa, ON  K1G 0Z8
Phone: 613-244-1289
TTY 613-244-4833
Fax: 613-244-4329

Rural bus service providers

This listing is provided for information only. The University of Ottawa does not endorse any of the providers listed. Please contact the provider directly for information about price and availability of service in your area.